How to point a domain to Namecheap

This guide explains how to point a domain registered with Freename to Namecheap, allowing you to use Namecheap for hosting, email, or other services while keeping your domain on Freename.

Before you begin pointing your domain

• Your domain must be active on Freename
• You must have access to your Namecheap account
• DNS changes may take up to 72 hours to propagate
  
  

Option 1 – Use Namecheap Nameservers

Use this option if you want Namecheap to manage all DNS records.

1. Log in to Namecheap and copy the nameservers provided.
   
   

• dns1.namecheaphosting.com
• dns2.namecheaphosting.com
  
  

6.    Click and Update Name Servers

NOTES:

• If your domain is pointing to another server (i.e., if it is with the nameservers of an external provider), the management of the DNS zone is moved to that provider (where the domain currently points), therefore, the entire DNS Zone must be managed through the other provider, and changes to records and pointers must be made there.
  
  

Option 2 – Use A Record and CNAME Record

Use this option if you want to keep DNS management in Freename.

1. Get the required A record and CNAME values from Namecheap.
   
   
2. In Freename, open your Portfolio → Domains → Select the domain you want to point to Namecheap and click Manage.
   
   
3. Add the records exactly as provided by Namecheap:
   
   
   • A record for the root domain @
   • CNAME record for www

NOTES:

• The propagation of any record can take up to 72 hours to fully propagate, so after making the change, it is important to wait if your website is not working.

• To check propagation, visit the website DnsChecker, enter your domain and the record you added, and check how it is going. If 72 hours have passed and you notice that propagation is "stuck," please contact our support team.

FAQ

1. Can I point a Freename Web2 domain to Namecheap?
   Yes. You can point a Web2 domain registered with Freename to Namecheap to use Namecheap for hosting, email, or other services while keeping the domain on Freename.

2. What do I need before pointing my domain to Namecheap?
   Your domain must be active on Freename, you must have access to your Namecheap account, and DNS changes may take up to 72 hours to propagate.

3. What happens if I use Namecheap nameservers?
   If you replace your current nameservers with Namecheap’s nameservers, Namecheap will manage the entire DNS zone for your domain. Any future DNS changes must be made in your Namecheap account.

4. Can I keep DNS management on Freename while using Namecheap?
   Yes. You can keep DNS management on Freename by adding the A record and CNAME record provided by Namecheap instead of changing nameservers.

5. Which DNS records are required to point a domain to Namecheap?
   You need to add an A record for the root domain (@) and a CNAME record for the www subdomain, using the exact values provided by Namecheap.

6. How long does DNS propagation take when pointing to Namecheap?
   DNS propagation can take up to 72 hours. If your website is not working immediately after the change, wait for propagation to complete. If it appears stuck after 72 hours, please contact us at support@freename.com